RCMP investigating third sex assault

No connection between three cases, but caution urged

Sea to Sky Regional Police Services are investigating their
third sexual assault in less than a month after they received a call regarding
an incident in the Alpine Meadows subdivision in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to the report, a female was walking home at
approximately 2:38 a.m. after getting off a municipal bus when a male grabbed
her waist from behind in the McKeever’s Place area. The female turned around,
the male let go, and she was able to run home and contact the police.

She did not see where the male went or get a good look at his
face, but he was a Caucasian, approximately six feet to six-foot-one with brown
hair, and no noted accent.

Constable Ann-Marie Gallup, the community policing officers,
says no connection has been made to link this latest assault with assaults that
occurred on Jan. 23 and Feb. 2. In both those cases, which took place in
Whistler Cay and Eva Lake Road respectively, the victims screamed, fought back
and were able to get away.

However she said the RCMP have called in special units and
resources to investigate the cases, and are looking for assistance from the
public. Regarding Tuesday’s incident, they especially want to talk to anyone
who might have been on the same bus, or in the area at the time of the assault.

Anyone with any information from that evening, or either of the
previous assaults, is asked to contact the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044, or
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

While the investigation goes ahead, Gallup is asking women to
take steps to protect themselves.

“The biggest thing is to walk with a partner,” she said. “If
you’re working late, or you’re out socializing and coming home, stay to
well-lit areas and use the buddy system.

“Also, if you notice anything strange, or are uncomfortable
with where someone is standing or walking, or someone’s behaviour seems a
little off, call us and we will send someone to speak with that person.”